Gaels blow into Spokane, take on No. 20 Gonzaga

Gonzaga coach Mark Few said the Gaels are playing as well as any team in the country (Photo: KHQ)

SPOKANE, Wash. - It's the biggest game of the year so far in the West Coast Conference: No. 22 Saint Mary's visits No. 20 Gonzaga Thursday night at the McCarthey Athletic Center. The team that wins takes over first place in the WCC.

The Gaels are coming in riding a 15-game winning streak. Their last loss was Nov. 27 against UTEP in the 76 Classic in Anaheim, California. Since then, they've put together a string of impressive wins over the likes of San Diego State and Oregon, and over conference foes Santa Clara and San Diego, among others. Their winning streak is currently the longest one in the season.

"They are about as hot as any team in the country right now with the way they're playing and the way they're shooting [the ball]" said Gonzaga coach Mark Few. "They're coming off a huge win over San Diego where they just dominated."

They're winning on the back of electric point guard Patty Mills, who averages almost 19 points per game - second in the WCC. The Gaels also lead the conference in rebounding (42.2 rpg), rebounding margin (+8.5), 3-pt field goal defense (29.6%) and steals (7.9 spg).

"They've been taking care of business in conference," explained GU's Matt Bouldin. "I know they got a lot of great players. We're just really excited about it, and I know it's going to be a battle here."